By William Rogers

With the recent announcement of the lineup of games being released for the Nintendo Switch this year, Nintendo has launched itself into the spot of being the number one video game company in the world. With recently released bangers such as “Pokémon Legends: Arceus,” “Kirby and the Forgotten Land” and stunning new DLC such as “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s” “Booster Course Pass,” Nintendo has made it harder than ever to not give them your money.

A few months ago, Nintendo released a brand new console, the Nintendo Switch OLED. This beautiful new device featured an all new Samsung-made OLED display, allowing players to experience masterpieces such as “Breath of the Wild” in a stunning new way. 

“It’s like I’m playing a totally different game, nothing like I’ve ever seen before,” an anonymous user on the popular mobile app YikYak said. ‘The Switch OLED also has an updated dock which includes an ethernet port, replacing a practically useless USB port. Imagine if the Xbox had a screen this nice.” 

Nintendo has also begun to listen to its fans by adding many new additions to its Nintendo Switch Online program. The new Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Packs adds many new features such as the ability to play some Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64 games, as well as included access to DLC packs for “Animal Crossing” and “Mario Kart.” Although 12-month memberships cost $49.99, $20 more than the original Switch Online, one must realize that the value of playing 20+ year old games is practically priceless.

Regarding the “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” “Booster Course Pass,” fans are excited to see that Nintendo is adding an additional 48 tracks to its already perfect masterpiece. The expansion pass brings back fan favorites such as Coconut Mall and Toad Circuit as well as many of the beautiful tracks from “Mario Kart Tour” such as Tokyo Blur and Ninja Hideaway.

Nintendo has also added many new features to the current Switch, including the ability to connect bluetooth headphones or speakers as well as new Nintendo themed profile pictures. New profile pictures are added on a rotating limited time basis. Users can purchase these new profile pictures through the Nintendo Switch Online application on the console using myNintendo rewards points.

One of the biggest features Nintendo has added is the ability to sort your personal library of games into folders. Not only can consumers store their physical cartridges in their display cases in various ways, but can now separate their games virtually in the console, separating hidden gems such as “Celeste,” “Cuphead” and “Stardew Valley” in a separate folder than mainstream normie games such as “Mario,” “Zelda” and “Pokémon.” Many users have used the feature to create a “trash folder” in order to hide away garbage games such as “Fortnite,” “Apex Legends” and the recently released “Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.”

A bit of controversy arose a few weeks ago when Nintendo announced the upcoming closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShops. However, the people who complained about this do not seem to understand that the Switch is superior to these previous consoles in every way imaginable. Nintendo shutting down these eShops just proves that they are focused on the future of gaming and wish to better focus their attention on the Switch.

Overall, with the release of exciting new games such as “Breath of the Wild 2,” “Bayonetta 3” and “Splatoon 3” on the horizon it is a wonder why some people still do not own a Switch in 2022. There simply is not a better console on the market.

Companion Article and Rebuttal: Latest gaffes from Nintendo shows company hits all time low

By Bill Rodgers

With recent controversy surrounding the Nintendo Switch OLED, lack of features on the Switch and announcement of the closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShops, Nintendo has continued to display why it is the worst video game company in the world.

A few months ago, Nintendo attempted to fix many of the issues that the original Switch had with its new Switch OLED. Unfortunately the updated console still does not support 4K video output as many were speculating it would, nor does it feature a better or faster processor, leaving the console to continue to struggle performance wise.

 And now, five years after the original Switch was released, fans have yet to see anything regarding a replacement to the dying console. Many fans are bored with the Switch and are disappointed to see that many issues with the console have not been resolved. 

The Nintendo Switch Online service has been one thorn in the side of many fans who collectively agree that the service is lacking in many departments. Voice chat is still locked behind a poorly designed mobile app, requiring players to have a separate device in order to talk to friends. 

Nintendo has attempted to distract users from issues by adding a new tier above its current online program called the “Expansion Pack.” Unfortunately, its price tag of $49.99 for a 12-month subscription, $20 more than the normal rate, leaves it out of reach of the general public. The addition of Sega Genesis and Nintendo 64 games included in the pack was welcomed with excitement. However, the discovery that many of the games were glitchy and unplayable reminded many users that these games could be emulated for free. 

Many online focused games such as “Splatoon 2,” “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” and “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” continue to struggle with long load times, empty lobbies and absolutely horrible glitches and lag. These issues essentially render many games unplayable. Other games such as “Fortnite” and “Rocket League” run so incredibly poorly that you would be better off trying to play them on a toaster.

Regarding “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” Nintendo has released the first wave of its all new “Booster Course Pass.” Players however were extremely disappointed to learn that the tracks were directly ported over from Nintendo’s arguably failed mobile game, “Mario Kart Tour.” Many players complained that the tracks were not detailed enough, had issues with scaling and track layout, and featured a few glitches and issues. Much of the controversy surrounding the tracks was focused on Coconut Mall, a fan favorite from “Mario Kart Wii,” which has been drastically changed from the original, arguably making the track easier and less fun to drive on.

Nintendo fell into even more controversy a few weeks ago with the announcement of the upcoming closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShops. Many fans brought up the fact that many 3DS and Wii U games are only available on these eShops and are not yet available on the Switch. The Wii U eShop also features the virtual console, allowing players to purchase and play various NES, SNES, Game Boy, N64, Sega Genesis and even DS games. Nintendo has attempted to remedy this through its online services options, however many consumers are upset with the subscription based platform Nintendo has picked up.

Overall, with the continued delay of games such as “Breath of the Wild 2,” “Bayonetta 3” and “Splatoon 3” it is a wonder why some people still have hope in this dying company. Hopefully this year is the year the Switch finally gets a Netflix or Spotify app.

Image from Nintendo via YouTube